Incidents of robbery and intimidation have been on the rise in the Male' area, with police stating that these crimes are often carried out by groups.
Three people have been charged with luring men into premises, stripping, and robbing them.
The case has been forwarded for prosecution, with the accused identified as Aishath from Male', Masfan Mohamed Reehaan from Male', Masfan and Shafeeq Ibrahim from Seenu atoll Hithadhoo. All three remain in custody pending trial.
According to police, on July 24, a man was lured to Masfan located in Machangolhi ward, Male' where he was held at knifepoint, stripped, tortured, and robbed. His mobile phone was confiscated, and money was transferred from his bank account. The suspects allegedly withdrew further funds using his ATM card.
The case has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office following an investigation. The suspects were remanded in custody as the premise, Masfan has a history of being used as a hub for criminal activities such as kidnappings, threats, and robberies.
Police, in its statement said that the victim was lured to the premises by a woman. Upon entering, two men assaulted him at knifepoint, stripped him naked, and took his phone. MVR 20,000 was transferred from his account to another, and MVR 25,000 was withdrawn using his bank card.
Incidents of robbery and intimidation have been on the rise in the Male' area, with police stating that these crimes are often carried out by groups.